Living in the "melting pot" which we call southwest Louisiana is such a blessing.

The very essence of our heritage is a marriage of so many cultures. We have French, Spanish, German, and Native American influences, to name a few, and these influences helped to shape Cajun Country into the phenomenal place that it is today.

Even my own cooking is shaped by multicultural influences. I become inspired while watching my childhood friend from Lyon, France prepare her famous crêpes, or when observing my girlfriend from Valencia, Spain spend the entire day making Paella with her family's "secret" recipe!

Meatball Mozzarella Ring(Photo: COURTESY OF CAJUN MAMA)

This recipe in particular was inspired by one of my closest friends, a feisty little Italian mama who prepares all of the old world Italian recipes with both ease and precision. Every time I visit her home, she insists that she "throw something together" for us to enjoy with the beautifully aged bottle of vino that she has just served.

This day in particular, she was preparing homemade marinara with fresh tomatoes from the farmer's market. We enjoyed her marinara over homemade pasta, and a fresh olive and artichoke salad.

Like a true Italian hostess, she sent me home with a jar of her homemade sauce! So, I decided to use it to prepare something simple and easy for dinner that the kids would enjoy! I hope that you and your families enjoy it, too!

Combine all ingredients, less the crescent rolls, mozzarella and marinara, in a large bowl and mix with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form round meatballs, sized according to your preference.

Arrange meatballs into one even layer in a cast iron skillet with butter and cook on medium high until browned. Flip and repeat until the meatballs are evenly browned. Place meatballs (in cast iron skillet) into the oven for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees.

Generously brush dough surface with marinara, and scoop spoonfuls of marinara into the circle of dough. Arrange cooked meatballs side by side in the circle of dough, and pour remaining marinara on top.

Sprinkle the mozzarella on top of the meatballs. Fold over each triangular piece of dough over the meatball circle, forming a full ring.

Brush the dough ring with egg wash, and bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Garnish with dehydrated chives. Enjoy!

Notes:
Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top of dough ring, before baking.
Substitute meatballs for turkey balls by using ground turkey instead of beef/pork.